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Ore. University Chancellor To Step Down Under Pressure

Oregon’s university chancellor is stepping down, under pressure from the leaders of the state’s Board of Higher Education.

George Pernsteiner

Oregon University System

Chancellor George Pernsteiner calls his eight years as the chief executive of Oregon’s public university system “a gratifying experience.” He’ll step down in March to work on special projects, and then leave the university system altogether in May.

Matt Donegan, the president of the higher ed board, says talks he had with people connected to the university system pointed toward change. He says that led to discussions with Pernsteiner.

“After the holidays, started really engaging with the chancellor on an agreement that really worked for everybody,” Donegan says.

A final separation agreement comes before the Higher Ed board Monday morning.

The board plans to hire an interim chancellor soon.

Donegan says the board will wait to see whether the legislature changes the governance of higher education in Oregon in this year’s session, before selecting a long-term leader.